Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for creating the indigenously developed Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) and described it as a "remarkable milestone towards self-reliance."

In an X post, the Defence Minister wrote, "Proud moment for the country! The homegrown Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) developed by @DRDO. India has crossed a milestone of achieving combat free-fall jump from 32,000 ft. A great milestone in becoming self-reliant in key defence technologies."

The MCPS, developed by DRDO, has successfully completed a combat free-fall jump from 32,000 feet. The Indian Air Force test jumpers carried out the jump, demonstrating the system's reliability, efficiency, and advanced design.

This achievement equips the Indian Armed Forces with a high-altitude parachute system capable of deployment above 25,000 feet, greatly enhancing the operational capabilities of special forces during critical missions.

The defence ministry added that the MCPS was designed by DRDO laboratories — Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment in Agra and Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory in Bengaluru.

The system features enhanced tactical abilities, including a slower descent and precise steering, allowing paratroopers to exit aircraft safely, deploy parachutes at exact altitudes, navigate accurately, and land where required.

It is compatible with Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) and ensures operational freedom without risk of interference or denial of service by foreign forces or nations.

On an X post, DRDO stated, "Marking a significant milestone in key defence technologies, the Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS), developed indigenously by DRDO, has completed a combat free-fall jump from a height of 32,000 feet successfully." The parachute system was ejected at 30,000 ft, becoming the first system deployed at this height in service with the Indian Armed Forces. The jump was carried out by test jumpers Wg Cdr Vishal Lakhesh, VM (G), MWO R J Singh, and MWO Vivek Tiwari, demonstrating the efficiency, dependability, and cutting-edge design of the indigenous system.

The success of the MCPS opens the way for the induction of more indigenous parachute systems, providing longer service life with faster maintenance and repairs compared to imported equipment. It will also reduce India’s dependence on other countries for support during times of conflict or war.